The Golden Age of Orthodontics Dr. Leon Klempner

Welcome to the Golden Age of Orthodontics, where innovation meets expertise. Join host Dr. Leon Klempner and co-host Amy Epstein as they delve into the cutting-edge advancements shaping the world of orthodontics. In today's episode, we're excited to welcome April Lowry, the Director of Product at Aura and Dental Product Management at PracticeTek. April shares her insights on selecting the right software for your orthodontic practice, emphasizing the critical need for systems that prioritize both patients and staff. From essential questions to ask when evaluating new software to the impact of patient-centric solutions, this discussion is packed with valuable advice for modern orthodontic practices. If you're looking to enhance your practice with the latest technology, this episode is a must-listen. Remember: there’s never been a better time to be an orthodontist. Tune in and stay ahead of the curve! 
IN THIS EPISODE: 
[3:49] Amy introduces April, who discusses how to determine the technology you need to run a potential multi-million dollar practice[10:37] April discusses implementing new technology that works bidirectionally with the software currently used[13:47] The importance of access to data through analytics or a reporting module[17:04] A discussion on improving the patient experience through specific examples and how these changes can influence patients' choice of practice[25:34] Discussion of keeping track of leads and how to make a good decision on software[33:16] Discussion of information in fields that are not migrated into new technology and the future of AI in the industry
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
It is critical to make your office accessible to new patients. Patients should only provide their name, date of birth and insurance information. You may lose business if you make it too difficult to make an appointment. New technology should operate bidirectionally to transfer data between platforms and work with the software you already are using. Patients should be able to  make appointments and make payments on their smartphones so the office does not have to make those entries. This method also takes the burden from office staff to enter data.

RESOURCE LINKS
People + Practice  - Website
Leon - Email
Amy - Email
People + Practice - Email
April Lowry - Email
PracticeTek - LinkedIn
PracticeTek - Website  

Welcome to the Golden Age of Orthodontics, where we dive into the future of orthodontic care. Today, we're excited to have Kelly Riedel, the CEO of LightForce Orthodontics, as our special guest. Join us as we explore how LightForce is reshaping the industry with its revolutionary custom bracket technology. Imagine measuring and enhancing your protocols' effectiveness, all while setting a new standard in patient experience and practice efficiency. With LightForce, orthodontists can now create personalized digital treatment plans that are fast, precise, and uniquely tailored to each patient's needs. Kelly emphasizes the need to be customer-obsessed! There’s never been a better time to be an Orthodontist.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[4:31] Kelly’s professional background and she shares a story about Jeff Bezos and a discussion of getting and keeping great staff[12:17] Kelly shares innovations being integrated from Amazon to LightForce as she discusses their core values[18:28] Kelly describes the process at LightForce once the patient information comes from the practice[20:14] What role will AI play at LightForce[25:28] Kelly discusses the future of changing technology
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
An orthodontic practice should be built around patient needs rather than what your competition is doingLightForce designs and builds the tools they need. They don’t pull them off a shelf. This sets them apart and provides essential, revolutionary services for practices and their patientsRobots can do tasks well, and humans are needed when high-value judgment and relationship building are required
RESOURCE LINKS
People + Practice  - Website
Dr. Leon - Email
Amy Epstein - Email
People + Practice - Email
Kelly Riedel - Email
BIOGRAPHY:  
Kelly Riedel is the Chief Operating Officer at LightForce, provider of the world's first and only fully customized 3d printed orthodontic system. Prior to joining LightForce, Kelly was Director of Global Robotics Operations for Amazon, leading a cross-functional organization delivering all robotics technology into Amazon buildings worldwide. In this role, she managed operations across five different product design centers, coordinated with 100+ suppliers across four continents, and launched Amazon’s state-of-the-art, 350,000-square-foot Innovation Hub. An attorney by trade, she previously led the legal team for Amazon Robotics as a member of its executive team, and before that, was Senior Counsel at HMH Publishing Company, focused on technology transactions, and a member of the IP Transactions team at Skadden, Arps. She holds a B.A. from Middlebury College, a J.D. from Berkeley Law School, and was a member of the 2016 Harvard Business School Women’s Leadership Forum. Kelly resides in Massachusetts with her husband and two children. Over her desk, she has a print that reads, “Here’s to Strong Women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” She’s striving to do all three.
QUOTES: 
“Amazon has a lot of leadership principles. If you Google Amazon Leadership Principles, in my view, they are the best way to be a leader and a successful worker. The unique part about how Amazon uses them is they don't just have them; they read them and teach them. They live them. It is how they hire, evaluate themselves and how they evaluate others and choose what to invest in.” Kelly Riedel
“LightForce has three core values....

We always look forward to conversations with Chris Bentson, Partner of Bentson Copple & Associates and President of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation. In this episode, Chris delves into his past predictions while casting a visionary gaze into the future of the field. Throughout the episode, he illuminates the transformative impact of technology on orthodontic practices, stressing the paramount importance of embracing digital braces in today's landscape. Chris advocates for a forward-thinking approach, asserting that the future belongs to those willing to adapt. He confronts the reluctance of some older practitioners to embrace digital innovations, debunking notions of expense and investment hesitancy. 
Chris also underscores the significance of crafting tailored treatment plans and leveraging communication and technology to meet the diverse needs of adult patients. The conversation extends to strategies for reconnecting with former patients and speculates on the future trajectory of OSOs and DSOs. Remember: There’s never been a better time to be an Orthodontist.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(4:52) Chris looks back on his predictions and looks forward to the future(9:44) Chris talks about the way technology has changed the ortho space and how critical it is for offices to embrace digital braces (12:55) Chris discusses aligners digital and remote monitoring, stating that is the future and that it is the older doctors who are not willing to change(15:52) Chris speaks to the doctors who feel digital is too expensive and they don’t want to invest(21:15) Discussion of birth rates being down and, therefore, there are fewer kids and appealing to adults(23:02) Chris talks about making a plan, considering limited treatment, and meeting the adult patient where they are through communication and technology(26:58) Discussion of reaching out to former patients and the future of OSOs and DSOs
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
If you haven’t raised your rates in the last two years, raise them tomorrow. You need to take steps to overcome the rising interest rate situation.To make a digital practice work, you must trade staff costs for lab costs. Digital improves the doctor’s quality of life inside the practice, allowing them to use the extra time for patients, practice, or lifestyle. The consumer wants digital braces. Orthodontic doctors who are slow to change are the older ones who have mastered analog braces. The younger doctors, 35 - 45 years of age, want to start with digital to get ahead of the shift we are bound to see.
RESOURCE LINKS
People + Practice  - Website
Leon - Email
Amy - Email
People + Practice - Email
Bentson Copple - Website
BIOGRAPHY:  
Chris Bentson is a partner of Bentson Copple & Associates in Greensboro, North Carolina. The company serves the orthodontic community by performing practice valuations, providing recruiting services, and negotiating transactions with both buyers and sellers. Chris has been working with orthodontists regarding the business aspects of their practices for over thirty years, and was recently awarded the "Outstanding Contribution to the Specialty Award by a Non-Orthodontist" from the AAO. He currently serves as President of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF, he’s a contributing...

We're excited to welcome Philippe Salah, a dental industry innovator, to the show today. He is the CEO of DentalMonitoringⓇ, a company leading the way in transforming orthodontic care. Their groundbreaking Smart STL solution is changing the game in digital orthodontics, from creating retainers to managing adjustments during treatment. This Smart STL technology has the potential to revolutionize the future of orthodontics. Philippe and his team recognized the current system's inefficiency for both treatment and the environment, and their goal was to create a more streamlined process. Take advantage of this episode to improve your practice's efficiency and patient satisfaction.
Please note: Product availability, claims and regulatory status may differ across countries depending on local regulations. Contact your local DentalMonitoringⓇ representative for further information.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[5:19] Dr. Leon expresses his excitement about AI[5:58] Philippe discusses what is new and changing over the last ten years, and he explains how the next innovation, Smart STL, works for your practice[10:45] Philippe explains the impetus for the creation of Smart STL[15:57] Intraoral scanners and stage files are still needed[18:23] Discussion of the time saved with Smart STL and communicating the procedure to the patient[25:34] Philippe addresses other changes and innovations coming in the future[28:39] Philippe describes the quality management platform developed a year ago, which would be an asset to any practice
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
The future of orthodontics lies in not having patients in your chair; instead, they will be in the comfort of their own homes with the doctor using an updated STL file corresponding to their teeth’s exact position.  Innovation comes in increments. Smart STL will require input from the doctor regarding the anatomy of the patient's teeth and cooperation from the patient who takes a DentalMonitoringⓇ scan with their smartphone.   Smart STL will improve the doctor's workflow, saving time and convenience for the patient, who will not have to make an unnecessary trip to the dental office.
RESOURCE LINKS
People + Practice  - Website
Leon - Email
Amy - Email
People + Practice - Email
Dental Monitoring - Website

What can be said to a patient who cannot afford braces due to financial constraints within their family? Fortunately, there are resources available to help. On today's episode, we'll introduce you to Smiles Change Lives, a non-profit organization dedicated to making braces accessible to children. For 27 years, Smiles Change Lives has helped countless children achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. The Vice President of Operations, Alexis Barclay, will delve into the program's details and explain how you can apply. We will also hear from Dr. Victoria Lynskey, an orthodontist with a decade of experience working with Smiles Change Lives. She'll share heartwarming stories about the program's impact and the joy of transforming a child's life through the gift of braces. Tune in and discover how Smiles Change Lives can bring a brighter future to children in need.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[0:00] Dr. Leon sets up the scenario of a boy needing braces and a family who cannot afford them[5:10] Alexis explains how Smiles Change Lives is different than other nonprofits in this space[6:52] Alexis shares his music background playing electric bass in Kansas City[8:08] Alexis describes how they vet families to be eligible for Smiles Change Lives and how they help when they do not qualify[10:47] Alexis talks about the progression of qualifications for Smiles Changes Lives[13:47] Discussion of how the orthodontist participates in the program[15:22] Dr. Victoria Lynsky shares her positive experiences with Smiles Change Lives[18:01] The process of signing up with Smiles Change Lives[20:59] Alexis discusses what he sees in the future for Smiles Change Lives
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
[4:53] Smiles Change Lives has been in business for 27 years, and during that time, they have learned what not to do, let alone everything to do to support their providers and their patients[7:49] There is a strategy Smiles Change Lives uses to work with families who can’t financially afford braces. It begins with reviewing tax returns [10:26] The completion rate of successful orthodontic work is 99% when the patient pays something out of pocket. It also provides leverage for the parent who pays the bill but empowers them, knowing they did this for their child.
RESOURCE LINKS
People + Practice  - Website
Leon - Email
Amy - Email
People + Practice - Email
Smiles Change Lives - Website
Alexis Barclay - Email
BIOGRAPHY:  Alexis Barclay
Raised across the pond in North London, Alexis moved to the US when he was just 17 years old. After living in Florida, he eventually made his way to Kansas City, where he’s been ever since.
In 2007, Alexis joined Smiles Change Lives, working at its sister company, Embrace Smiles, a promotional products company. From there, he served as Director of Provider Services for 11 years. Currently, he serves as Vice President of Operations.
When he’s not at work, you can find Alexis playing bass with one of Kansas City’s notable bands. He resides in Riverside, MO, with his wife, Brooklyn and three kids.
QUOTES: 
“We work with our orthodontists, figuring out what the best thing for the practices are. We are very...

Have you had a lifelong vision to establish your own orthodontic practice, only to find obstacles such as financial constraints, roadblocks, and a scarcity of available practices hindering your pursuit? In 2020, Dr. Maggie Law embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, and she is eager to divulge insights into her experience. Maggie will candidly discuss the advantages of managing your own practice, shedding light on the positive aspects and the hurdles she encountered along the way. Tune in to this conversation, and you'll find inspiration and see Maggie's apparent joy for seeing her dream come true. Remember, there has never been a better time to be an orthodontist.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[0:00] Dr. Leon introduces today’s topic: Starting a Practice from the Ground Up with Dr. Maggie Law[3:03] Maggie is introduced and shares her educational background and how she started her practice in 2020[9:25] Maggie shares the reasons she wanted to have her own practice[12:58] Maggie discusses how she controls her overhead costs and the financial decisions in opening a practice[19:00] Maggie answers a caller's questions regarding the benefits of having your own practice, and Dr. Leon shares some advice[24:10] Maggie shares the challenges she has faced, and she leaves the listeners with advice
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
[8:29] The first step in opening a practice is to find a location. It’s important to research other nearby practices and, sometimes, decide how far you want to be from your home.[9:24] There are many orthodontic practice startups now, and many reasons contribute to orthodontists taking that road. One is that in the long term, the orthodontist wants to be able to make their own decisions about their career and their business. [11:36] Doctors are not selling their practices to recent graduates like they did in the past. They are selling to large OSOs because they can sell for more money. Consequently, as a recent graduate, you must open your own practice. 
RESOURCE LINKS
People + Practice  - Website
Leon - Email
Amy - Email
People + Practice - Email
Maggie Law - Instagram
Orthodontics Startups - Facebook
QUOTES: 
“I think one of the main reasons orthodontists want to have their practice is that we are hard workers, high achievers, goal-oriented and ultimately, working for somebody else long term is not what makes us happy.” Dr. Maggie Law
“I always say that being an associate is great until one day it's not. And then when you get to that day where you're like, wow, I could be working hard for myself, or I can be working hard for somebody else, it's like this flip, and I think most people don't choose to do startups because it is the harder path.” Dr. Maggie Law